Mid-summer · Weather & things to do
Black Hills in July
Black Hills's warmest month brings highs averaging 83°F (29°C), lows of 56°F (13°C) and about 2.4 in (61 mm) of rain.
At 86/100 for comfort (4th of 12), it's one of the best months to visit.
- Avg high
- 83°F (29°C)
- Avg low
- 56°F (13°C)
- Rain
- 2.4 in (61 mm)
- Humidity
- 54%
- Cloud cover
- 44%
- Daylight
- ~14 h 57 min
- Comfort score
- 86/100 · Great
What July feels like
Days are warm, averaging 83°F (29°C), easy weather for being outside from morning to evening.
There's a big swing between day and night, about 15°C (28°F), so mornings and evenings feel much cooler than the afternoon.
Showers are part of the month, adding up to about 2.4 in (61 mm).
Plan around July
July is one of Black Hills's best months on the climate data.
- Inside the wettest three-month stretch, May – July.
- Comfort slips from 89/100 in June to 86/100.
- July sits inside the May – Sep window our Dakotas Badlands & Black Hills route recommends.
What to pack for July
- Light, breathable clotheshighs average 83°F
- Sunscreen, sunglasses and a hatstrong sun this month
- A warm layer for eveningsnights drop to 56°F
- Packable rain jacket or umbrellaa shower or two is likely
- Comfortable walking shoesmost places below are best reached on foot or with short walks
What to do in Black Hills in July
July is good outdoor weather here, so these picks lean toward the open air.
Mount Rushmore National Memorial
Four presidents carved in granite, with the Presidential Trail at the base.
Why now July scores 86/100 for comfort, good conditions for being outside.
Iron Mountain Road
Winding road with pigtail bridges and tunnels that frame Mount Rushmore.
Why now Highs near 83°F and 2.4 in of monthly rain make this an easy outdoor pick.
Needles Highway
14-mile road through granite spires and one-lane tunnels, including the Needles Eye.
Why now One to do outside while the weather is on your side.
Naughti Wines
Hill City tasting room on Hwy 385 pouring its own wines plus Sick-N-Twisted beers, with a patio and firepit.
Sylvan Lake
Granite-ringed lake with an easy 1-mile shoreline loop and boulder scrambles.
Nearby in July
- Badlands National Park in July~64 mi · highs 93°F, 1.9 in rain · 5°C (10°F) warmer by day, about as wet
- Medora in July~217 mi · highs 89°F, 2.1 in rain · 3°C (5°F) warmer by day, about as wet
- Rocky Mountain NP in July~259 mi · highs 75°F, 2.1 in rain · 5°C (9°F) cooler by day, about as wet
- Denver in July~287 mi · highs 92°F, 2.4 in rain · 5°C (8°F) warmer by day, about as wet
NASA POWER 2001–2025 monthly averages on a ~50 km grid. Comfort scores weigh temperature, rain, humidity and cloud: see how we score each month. Check a forecast before you go.
Black Hills in July: quick answers
Is July a good time to visit Black Hills?
Yes. On the climate data it's one of the best months, scoring 86/100. Expect highs of 83°F (29°C) and 2.4 in (61 mm) of rain. July is inside the May – Sep window our Dakotas Badlands & Black Hills route recommends.
How hot is Black Hills in July?
Average highs are 83°F (29°C) and average lows 56°F (13°C), making it the warmest month by daytime highs.
Does it rain a lot in Black Hills in July?
Some: about 2.4 in (61 mm) of rain falls across July on average, the 3rd-wettest month of the year. The annual total is about 19.2 in (487 mm).
What should I pack for Black Hills in July?
Bring light, breathable clothes (highs average 83°F), sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat (strong sun this month), a warm layer for evenings (nights drop to 56°F), packable rain jacket or umbrella (a shower or two is likely) and comfortable walking shoes (most places below are best reached on foot or with short walks).
More on Black Hills
Routes in season in July
- Dakotas Badlands & Black Hills May – Sep
Planning Black Hills in July?
Share this July plan with your group, poll everyone on dates and keep the packing list in one place.